Pulaski County Police Records

Pulaski County police records are available through the Sheriff's Office in Pulaski and the Circuit Court Clerk. These records cover arrests, criminal charges, incident reports, and booking data from law enforcement operations across the county. Located in the New River Valley of southwest Virginia, Pulaski County processes all records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The Sheriff's Office serves as the primary source for law enforcement files, and the Circuit Court maintains records for felony proceedings and major civil matters. This page explains how to search for and obtain Pulaski County police records from local and state sources.

Pulaski County Sheriff's Office Records

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. All FOIA requests for police records, arrest data, and incident reports go through this office. The Sheriff's Office handles patrol, criminal investigations, court security, and civil process throughout Pulaski County.

You can request records by mail, email, fax, phone, or in person. Virginia law does not require that your request be in writing, but a written request helps ensure accuracy. Be specific about what you need. Names, dates, and case numbers help staff find records faster. Under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3700 et seq., all public records are presumed open unless a specific exemption applies.

The Sheriff's Office must respond within five business days. If they need more time, written notice is required, and the total response window extends to 12 business days. Fees may apply based on actual costs for searching, copying, and supplying the records.

How to Get Police Records in Pulaski County

Getting police records from Pulaski County starts with a FOIA request. You do not need to say you are making a FOIA request. Just describe the records you want. The Sheriff's Office treats any request for public records as a FOIA request. Staff will search for the records, check for exempt material, and provide copies or let you inspect the originals.

Copy fees typically run $0.10 to $0.15 per page for standard black and white copies. Staff time charges are based on the hourly rate of the lowest paid employee who can handle the search. If the total estimated cost exceeds $200, the office may ask for a deposit before beginning work. You have the right to request a cost estimate in advance.

Note: Pulaski County provides public records access under Virginia FOIA. The Town of Pulaski has its own police department with separate records. If the incident occurred within town limits, you may need to contact the town police instead.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Police Records

The Pulaski County Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law matters. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps records for all cases filed. Criminal case files include indictments, plea records, sentencing orders, and dispositions.

Search Pulaski County court records online through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System. This free tool lets you look up cases by name, case number, or hearing date. It covers all Virginia circuit courts including Pulaski County. For misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings, use the General District Court Online Case Information System.

Both systems are run by the Virginia Judicial System and do not require an account. Online records may not include every detail from the full case file. Contact the clerk for complete records when needed.

Virginia State Police Criminal History

For a statewide criminal history check that includes Pulaski County, use the Virginia State Police. Submit Form SP-167 to the Central Criminal Records Exchange with a $15 fee. The form must be notarized. Mail it to Virginia State Police, CARE, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. Results take about 15 business days.

This is a name-based search that shows arrests and convictions from across Virginia. A fingerprint-based check provides more thorough results but is generally limited to specific purposes. The Virginia State Police FOIA portal accepts electronic requests for VSP records. You can also visit the Virginia State Police website for more information on background check services.

Pulaski County Police Records Exemptions

Not all police records in Pulaski County are public. Virginia law lists exemptions that allow agencies to withhold certain files. Common exemptions include personnel records, internal affairs files, and documents protected by attorney-client privilege. Active investigation records can also be withheld temporarily.

Under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3706.1, criminal investigative files receive extended response times of up to 65 business days. Felony offense information such as the charge, date, location, and investigating officer is generally public. Witness and victim identities may be withheld under this same statute. If a request is denied, the agency must cite the specific exemption. You can appeal through the courts or contact the Virginia FOIA Council.

Search Pulaski County Police Records Online

Several free tools let you search Pulaski County police records online. The Virginia Courts Case Information system is the best place to start for court records. The Virginia Judicial System website connects you to all available court search tools in the state. The Virginia Sex Offender Registry covers Pulaski County and can be searched by name or location.

For formal criminal history reports, check the VSP criminal background check page. The Pulaski County government website also provides links to county departments and public records contacts.

The screenshot below shows the Pulaski County government website, which links to county departments and public records resources.

Visit Pulaski County's website for links to the Sheriff's Office and other county departments.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pulaski County. Each maintains its own sheriff's office and circuit court system.